Glucoasime is a compound that is naturally found in the cartilage of the body helping to keep it strong and rigid. In arthritis the supporting cartilage of the joints becomes damaged or disintegrated causing pain, inflammation and weakened joints. Glucosamine supplements are thought to help maintain the integrity of the cartilage to prevent damage to the joints from arthritis. This nutritional supplement is derived from the chitin covering of shellfish and enhances the body's natural glucosamine. MayoCliniccom notes that research on the benefits of glucosamine for helping arthritis symptoms are not yet conclusive.
Step 1
See your primary care doctor regarding any joint pain, swelling and inflammation. Get an x-ray and other tests to determine that your symptoms are due to arthritis and not other causes, such as gout. Discuss all treatment options with your doctor, including taking glucosamine supplements.
Step 2
Purchase over the counter glucosamine supplements. Glucosamine sulfate is the most easily absorbed and is the recommended type for arthritis pain. Other kinds of glucosamine supplements include glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine NAS. Read the supplement label carefully to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Note that glucosamine sulfate does not contain sulfa; allergies to these drugs will not affect taking this supplement.
Step 3
Take the recommended dose of glucosamine supplements for arthritis pain according to your body weight. The recommended dosage for people less than or equal to 200 lbs. or 91 kg is 1,500 mg, while the dosage for those over this weight is 2,000 to 2,250 mg.
Tips and Warnings
- The recommended period for taking glucosamine supplements is at least 2 months. Arthritis pain and other symptoms may not be reduced immediately; continue taking the supplements at the maximum dose. Once symptoms begin to decrease, you may wish to decrease the dosage. Continue taking glucosamine to prevent further damage to the joint cartilage due to arthritis.
- According to some preliminary studies glucosamine supplements may worsen insulin resistance causing raised blood sugar levels in individuals with the diabetes. MayoClinic.com advises speaking to your doctor about this before taking glucosamine. This supplement can also interact with other medications such as warfarin, a blood thinning drug. Advise your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.
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